Flint brings stranded woman Rheba Polke and her son to the train. When her husband Jed Polke returns with help, many recognize him from the Macon, Georgia Andersonville Prison (Confederate prisoner-of-war camp) where prisoners were planning an escape. Polke had turned their escape attempt in to the authorities. They have sworn to kill Polke.

Flint returns to the wagon train camp to announce that their company has appointed Jud Benedict as their new wagon master, and it isn't good news. Flint McCullough then offers the position to retired wagon master Chris Hale.